Miracle League Tot Teams Hit a Homerun

Dothan, AL - It’s America’s favorite pastime, and now about two dozen preschoolers with special needs are getting to step up to the plate.

“We love Saturdays when it's ball season. There are no rules or regulations. They're just out here having a good time. Interacting with other kids that are like them,” said Beth Jones, Ashford.

The Dothan Miracle League started in 2008, but only for the older kids.

A family approached leaders to see if their preschooler could play because they weren’t sure their child would live that long.

Last year the tot teams were created to meet that need. They play every Saturday morning at 10:30 at the Miracle Field.

Miracle League Board Member Allen Singley said, “It's a lot like any tee ball game that you would ever go and watch throughout the city of Dothan. It's crazy. They just have a good time. They hit the ball. They may run to third base or first base.”This is an opportunity many don’t get, even in larger cities. Michael Davila lives in Orlando and is in town visiting his grandpa. He is looking forward to taking the field for the first time. “His dad coaches his half brother and he goes to all the games and loves it. He himself has never played. Running the bases is going to be something new for him,” said Michael’s Grandpa, Fred Raby.

It’s not just new for the kids. Many parents are using the Miracle League as an opportunity to network.

“It's great to have the support from other mothers that have children who are a little bit older and to give advice to children who are smaller. It's good to have the connection,” said Jones.

While the connection may begin at the plate, many are hoping it lasts a lifetime.

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